Auxiliary synovial structures for the brachial biceps and brachial muscles at the elbow joint in dogs and cats compared to wolf, tiger and cougar -: Part I:: dog (Canis lupus f. familiaris) and wolf (Canis lupus)

Forelimbs of fifteen dogs were examined in order to describe auxiliary synovial structures for the brachial biceps and brachial muscles at the level of the elbow joint. In addition findings were compared to results obtained in a wolf. Passing a channel of dense connective tissue formed by the ulnar as well as by the superficial and deep part of the radial tendon of insertion of the brachial biceps muscle the tendon of the brachial muscle is incompletly covered with a synovial bursa. Another synovial bursa is located between the ulnar tendons of insertion of the brachial biceps and brachial muscles and the oblique ligament which crosses these tendons. Furthermore a constant recess of the joint capsule pouches between the medial collateral ligament and the tendons of the brachial biceps and brachial muscles attaching to the medial surface of the ulnar medial coronoid process. An inconstant synovial bursa is located between the joint capsule and the scutum on the articular surface of the brachial biceps muscle at the level of the medial sagittal ridge of the trochlea humeri.